A History of the Sikhs: Volume 1: 1469-1838

Khushwant Singh

Abstract

The first volume of The History of the Sikh provides a detailed account of the religious, political, and social background that eventually brought about the formation of the Sikh religion during the fifteenth century. It outlines the development of Sikhism and the Punjab monarchy. This volume is divided into three parts. Part I begins with a description of the Sikh homeland, including its climate, available flora and fauna, and landscapes. From here the chapters turn to the founding of Sikhism by Guru Nanak, and the development of this religion through the exploits of his successors. Prominent ... More

The first volume of The History of the Sikh provides a detailed account of the religious, political, and social background that eventually brought about the formation of the Sikh religion during the fifteenth century. It outlines the development of Sikhism and the Punjab monarchy. This volume is divided into three parts. Part I begins with a description of the Sikh homeland, including its climate, available flora and fauna, and landscapes. From here the chapters turn to the founding of Sikhism by Guru Nanak, and the development of this religion through the exploits of his successors. Prominent gurus — such as Arjun, Gobind Singh, and Hargobind — and their achievements and failures are presented. Part II talks about the agrarian uprising, from the rise of Banda Bahadur and the peasant rebellion, to the formation of the misls. Part III captures the history of Ranjit Singh, the esteemed Maharajah of the Punjab. His efforts in creating a unified Punjab are highlighted, as well as his various military exploits against the Afghans and the British. The volume ends with a summary of Singh's achievements and some features of his life.

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